Nestor Jacono, 89, Malta's Oldest Olympian, passed away yesterday.

He took to athletics when still a student at St Edward's College and later became Malta’s undisputed No. 1 sprinter. He was chosen as the sole competitor to represent Malta at the first post-war Olympic Games which were held in London in 1948.

Mr Jacono frequently commented that he would never forget the continuous cheers and clapping accompanied by shouts of “Brave Malta” as together with flag bearer Alfred Zammit Cutajar he proudly marched behind the Maltese flag round the Wembley Stadium track during the March Past of the Opening Ceremony.

Back in Malta, Mr Jacono continued to dominate the 100 yards event in the national championships for several years. After he retired, he set up the Pegasus Club to encourage and train school children. He was later involved in the administration of sport in Malta. He was a member of various sports organisations including  the Malta Olympic Committee.

Nestor Jacono was included in the Hall of Fame of the Maltese Olympic Committee in 2005.